"The Barbican"

No. 1 - July 1931

From the Bradshaw Family Collection - Edited by Maurice Hobden

HIS is the
first issue of the Barbican, a record of the first year of the School,
dated July 1931, though it was printed and issued later that year.
Here you can read about school events from those very first days in
1931. We bring extracts from this first issue to you thanks to a
generous gift from the Bradshaw family of several bound volumes
of early Barbican magazines that were in the private collection
of Mr. Bradshaw, our first Headmaster.

Barbican No 1 was printed by the boys and staff themselves on
a brand new printing press, bought with a handsome anonymous
donation to the school. It was kept for many years on the landing
outside the Prefects Room above the Staff Room. It might be
imagined that a school magazine printed by the boys themselves
would be a very amateurish affair but much to our surprise it has
a format, layout and quality almost indistinguishable from the
subsequent professionally printed issues.

The Headmaster's Letter in this issue is particularly prescient
and poignant, given that we are reading his words, written in
the first year of the School, more than seventy-five years later.
Prescient for his foresight in predicting that old-boys would
read the school history far into the future; poignant for his innocent
but mistaken belief that the School would flourish indefinitely.

Extracts from the Barbican

THE BARBICAN

No.1 July, 1931

Editorial

We regret that we have no pathetic little verse with which to
take leave of this, our first edition (may the years make great
its value), and send it forth into an expectant world to be
judged upon its merits.

A good magazine should, we consider 'hold up the mirror' to
the life of the school, should reflect faithfully its
achievements in work and play, its humour conscious and
unconscious its individual thought and its communal mind or
'tone'.

At its first attempt, our magazine may fail to do this; if it
does, we shall labour to make our subsequent editions approach
nearer to our our ideal. But meanwhile, a glance at the present
list of contents will reveal that all, or almost all, our school
activities (and young though we are, we already do much) have
received its attention.

School magazines vary considerably in the literary merit of
the work they contain. In this respect our magazine may fall
short; but here we think it only fair to ourselves to inform our
readers without the school, of a fact that may not readily occur
to them in comparing 'The Barbican' with the publications of
other and well established schools.

We are a new school in our first year; we have virtually no
senior pupils. Our Fifth Form consists of nine boys only, the
remainder of our number being juniors for the most part in their
first or second year of secondary school life. It is obvious,
therefore, that many of our contributions will show signs of
maturity, and indicate promise rather than contain merit.

In spite, however, of disadvantages, we have in our first year
produced a school magazine - and produced it in the full sense of
the word, for, (as again, certain defects may reveal) it has been
printed and published by ourselves from our own press at
school.

Little else need be said. The 'School Notes' contain mention
of most of those small items which are wont to occupy an
editorial, so we leave you to read the magazine yourselves, and
hope that you will find much pleasure in its pages.

The Headmaster's Letter

With the issue of this magazine, we commence the written
record of our School. We are young and have no traditions. As yet
no honours boards hang upon our walls to record the achievements
of those who have gone before us. We lack the constant reminder
of nobility and self sacrifice afforded by a school war memorial.
But here in these pages will be preserved the names of all those
who pass through this school. Here too will be found the account
of successes and our failures.

A school magazine is a unique thing. To the outsider it may be
an uninteresting compilation of school activities, broken here
and there by a youthful attempt at original composition. But we
are not outsiders. We are members of the corporate body; and this
is the record of our daily life. Those of us who are here now are
creating a living organism. The more we give to it, the greater
our share in fashioning it, the deeper will be our interest in
its development after we have left.

The Scholars of today are the Old Boys of tomorrow. In years
to come each number of magazines will still be read with
eagerness by those who have loved their school and helped to make
it. How fares the house? Are those who have come after us
carrying on the fight?

And in the School Library what a rich store of memories will
the bound volumes contain; days in the sun with a bat and ball
and the Downs across the valley; muddied figures fighting out the
last ten minutes and the mist from the Ouse settling down; a
forgotten name on the printed page and the friend of yesterday is
before us.

Happy will he be who then can say, 'I was not found wanting.'
THE HEADMASTER. [Mr. N. R. Bradshaw]

School Notes

Lewes County School for Boys was opened by Viscount Gage on
Friday, September 26th 1931. There were present the Member for
the Parlimentary Division of Lewes, members of the County
Council, the Mayor of Lewes, three of his Majesty's Inspectors,
the Director and Officials of the County Education Department,
Headmasters and Headmistresses of Secondary and Elementary
Schools of Sussex, the Headmaster and Staff of this School, and
one hundred and forty boys.

At the end of the first term a Parent's Evening was held, a
report of which appears on an other page.

Mr. Marshall our physics master left after the first term and
was succeeded by Mr.. Ellison.

During the Christmas holidays athletic lockers were built
around the hot-water pipes in the senior cloakroom. Each boy has
two lockers, one for boots and the one for clothes.

At the beginning of the second term, the school was divided
into four houses. In three cases this was happily done on a
geographical basis, thereby giving real unity to each house. Thus
boys living in the Lewes, Seaford and Newhaven and Uckfield
districts became members of the Lewes, Seahaven and Uckfield
Houses, while in the fourth case the remaining boys in the School
were grouped together to form the Martlets House. Points are
awarded to the houses for both work and games and Mrs. Bradshaw
has kindly given a shield for competition among them. The house
captains, Hayward, Kitchener, Blunden and Hazelrigg have since
been made prefects.

Our football team has been very successful this season,
winning the majority of its matches.

Owing to the generosity of the parents a beginning has been
made with form fiction libraries while the central Reference
library is now taking shape.

Towards the end of the second term, we repeated the experiment
of holding a Parents' Evening, with great success.

Our summer term opened on April 28th, and in the games sphere,
football yielded placed to cricket. Several matches have been
played already with fair success, and we have greatly benefitted
from the coaching of John Langridge and R S Richards of the
Sussex County Ground Staff.

On Thursday, May 14th, seventy scholars, accompanied by two
masters, visited the Palace Pier Theatre Brighton, where they saw
a matinee performance of Shakespeare's 'Tempest' by Sir Frank
Benson's Company.

In the evening of the same day, members of the fifth form saw
and enjoyed a performance of 'Twelfth Night' - the play set this
year for the Oxford School Certificate.

While cricket continues to engage much of our attention we yet
find time to profit by the lesson taught in the fate of Icarus.
Every Monday afternoon many of the boys go to Lewes Swimming
Baths, where special classes are held for those unable to
swim.

In order that we may become citizens of the world, and study
social and political history in the making, a newspaper is placed
in each form room every morning, where items of interest are
pointed out, discussed and entered into a special loose-leaf
note-book.

We have had a very successful beginning; have already, we
hope, started on the road to achievement worthwhile ; and we are
determined that at school and after our inspiring thought shall
always be 'AD MELIORA'.

A SCHOOLBOY'S DREAM

(After many sweets)

Smith minor, on the eve of breaking up day, thought he would
have a midnight feast. Being rather greedy, he failed to invite
any companions. Having eaten the tuck he fell asleep.

He was awakened by a tap on the shoulder, and looking up,
beheld Euclid arrayed in black. 'Follow me,' boomed the
apparition, and Smith, in great fear, obeyed. He was led to the
bedroom window and commanded to close his eyes. He opened them in
a large, well-lighted room filled with Geometry books. Smith was
told to sit down on the floor and to learn Theorems 10-15. After
a few minutes, Smith tried to look up from his work, but found he
could not take his eyes from it. Much to his relief he was able
to say the Theorems to Euclid after what seemed about forty
minutes. Euclid then departed from the room, which suddenly grew
dark.

The room lit up again, and Smith saw, instead of Geometry
books, an enormous number of French grammars. Footsteps then
sounded outside, and a huge frog appeared, clothed in a gown and
mortar-board. He gave Smith paper, pen, and ink, and ordered him
to write out twenty French exercises. After what Smith judged to
be another forty minutes, 'N'avez-vous pas fini?' croaked the
frog. Smith replied negative, and the frog advanced towards him
threateningly. Smith fled, he knew not where; the frog in hot
pursuit. Suddently Smith tripped and began to fall. Down, down,
down, he went. A crash sounded in his ears, and a brilliant light
dazzled him. He awoke sitting on the floor, the bell clanging in
his ears. He vowed he would have no more midnight feasts.
HUTTON 3A.

Football

Regarded purely from the point of view of results, it may be
felt that our first season has been an entirely satisfactory one.
Generally, we were well able to hold our own with our opponents,
but, where these were not the 1st elevens of other schools, we
must not feel content until we are able to meet them on equal
terms. Progress has definitely been made, but in several of the
matches the standard of play left a great deal to be desired. Too
often the brunt of the work fell on two very willing horses, the
backs, Kitchener, and Wickham. Especially by his display against
Lewes Town 3rd XI, the former showed himself to be a fearless
tackler and a powerful kicker, while Wickham was by far the most
improved player of the season, tacking, kicking and following
through well. No goalie of outstanding ability developed, but it
is hoped that someone will be found amongst the juniors to
persevere until this position is satisfactorily filled.

Rabson, Hazelrigg, and Rainbird, the half-backs, are a
hard-working trio, but they must remember to help in both attack
and defence, to feed their forwards to better purpose, and never
give up in despair. The forwards were unfortunate in being
deprived of a natural leader in Edwards, who sets a good example
to all of persistency and courage on the field. On occasions the
line showed its capability of playing well together, Cook scoring
many goals, and Watson, in the fore-part of the season,
displaying promising form. In all matches, however, there was a
marked absence of 'punch' of driving power, and until the team as
a whole acquire this and the team spirit of combination they
cannot hope to be of anything but mediocre standard.

Amongst those lower in the school who show promise mention
must be made of Lockyer. On several occasions he assisted the 1st
XI, and showed a good knowledge of the game, and a splendid
spirit of grit and determination. In junior house matches,
Arnold, Barford minor, Hilton and Lowles displayed encouraging
ability. There were others, too, but they must all remember to
play not as individuals but as members of a team, and to make a
house-match neither a riot nor rout but a house-match.

SCHOOL V BEXHILL 2nd IX.

On Wednesday 28th Jan., the school met Bexhill on Bexhill
ground. The mud was rather deep and handicapped our forwards in
shooting. Bexhill scored early in the first half, and at the
interval were still leading.

On resumption, our forwards made dangerous attacks and after a
'fair tussle' in the mud, Cook equalised. It was not long before
Bexhill scored again, after which no further score was made,
Bexhill thus gaining the odd goal.

SCHOOL V EAST GRINSTEAD.

On Saturday 7th February, we met East Grinstead C.S. In the
opening stages of the game the sides proved very equal, both
teams making various raids on the goal. Cook then opened the
score for the school.

After the interval the school had most of the game enabling
Cook to score two further goals.

SCHOOL V CENTRAL SCHOOL OLD BOYS.

On Saturday March 7th the School team, strengthened by
masters, met Lewes Central Old Boys, a much heavier side playing
in local league football. There was a strong wind which upset the
play a great deal. In the first half although the School appeared
to have as much play as their opponents, we were three goals down
by the interval.

However in the second half Mr. Jarvis scored, but this did not
have the desired effect for the school game appeared to go to
pieces, enabling our opponents to add several more goals to their
school. Final Score School 1 - Old Boys 8.

SCHOOL V VARNDEAN 3rd. IX.

On Saturday 14th February we played undoubtedly the best game
of the season from the point of view of keenness and speed. The
School defence had a hard task in kicking against the wind, and
the attack of the Varndean forwards always threatened danger. By
the interval no score was made.

After the interval, both teams made various raids, but neither
could secure the deciding goal. Both goal keepers were keenly
tested, but neither failed in his work.

SCHOOL V BEXHILL 2nd XI.

On this Saturday Feb: 21st, our team proved too good for
Bexhill, the School making attacks while only the fine display of
the Bexhill goalkeeper prevented from being successful. The
School took the lead and did not lose it although Bexhill scored
later by a determined attack. The forwards played well, and the
score ended 4-1 in our favour.

SCHOOL V VARNDEAN 3rd XI.

On Saturday March 14th, we met Varndean at Brighton where both
teams looked forward to the game. Play have been in progress for
ten minutes when Varndean scored with a drop shot. Watson shortly
after equalised.

After the interval Cook scored a fine goal, thus gaining the
lead for the School. Ten minutes from the finish the School were
still leading when Varndean scored two goals, which rather
surprised us. The score remained the same until the close of
play, thus giving the game to Varndean.

SCHOOL V EAST GRINSTEAD.

On Satruday March 21st, we played East Grinstead on our own
ground. Cook scored almost immediately, thus obtaining the lead
for the School. It was not long before he scored again making our
lead more secure. Soon East Grinstead netted owing to a
misunderstanding by our own goalkeeper.

After the interval four more goals were added to the School's
credit; Watson, Rainbird and Cook being the scorers.

SCHOOL V EASTBOURNE G.S. 2nd XI.

The School visited and conquered Eastbourne G.S. 2nd XI on
Saturday March 28th. Our forwards indulged in effective passing
and soon the School had two goals to their credit. Soon
Eastbourne scored by a low angle shot. Both teams now began to
make hot attacks, and had it not been for the excellent play of
the Eastbourne goalkeeper we should have scored more heavily than
we did.

In the second half our forwards made many a dangerous attack,
and were soon rewarded. The game ended in victory to the School
with seven goals to Eastbourne's one, Coxon, Hazelrigg, Watson
and Cook were the scorers.

A.R.Kitchener

Scripta et Audita

MEDIEVAL ENGLISH VALOUR (OR DISCRETION)

A certain junior had listened with great interest to an
account of English strategy at Poitiers. Asked to write an
account of the battle, he says, 'The English soldiers were the
better at Poitiers - they hid behind the hedge. The cavalry went
right off out of sight.'

CAESAR'S COMMENTS ON BRITONS

Another historian gives us a vivid picture of the mettle and
habits of our Celtic forbears:-
'The Ancient Britons were very unruly; they ran and climbed about
like monkeys' - Darwin Anticipated!

ARE SHIEKS AFRAID?

A question suggested by the following:-
'Sarah was a desert that even Abraham feared to cross.'

STEELE'S WAY WITH WOMEN

If of herself she will not love, SOMETHING MAY
MAKE HER.

A member of the Vth Form writes: 'After pursuing for several
hours, a young lady called A Vain Love, the essayist gave up the
chase, and made use of the ordnances near Charing Cross.' Is this
the same 'beauteous virgin,' we wonder, who dies 'an untimely
death' in 'Recollections of Childhood'?

'A STREET ACCIDENT'

'There was a grinding of brakes; - then a shriek and a car
jolted to a standstill.'

'METEOROLOGICAL' GEOMETRY

Members of the Fifth Form mathematics class have recently been
studying the behaviour of 'cyclonic' quadrilaterals.

'THE YEARS TO COME OF BLISS....'

'A machine is a device to replace ANNUAL labour.'

HOUSE NOTES

Lewes House

HOUSE MASTERS :- MR. ELLISON and MR. HOGGINS
HOUSE CAPTAIN :- HAYWOOD

The Lewes House has started its career in a new school very
favourably, since it holds the top position in Football, and the
second in work. We finished the football season with great credit to
ourselves, gaining fourteen out of a possible eighteen points.
Two games only were lost - by the 1st XI - throughout the season,
the 2nd and 3rd XIs winning all their matches. The results were
as follows:-

Opponents

1st XI

2nd XI

3rd XI

Uckfield

Lost 3-1

Won 4-3

Won 4-1

Martlets

Lost 2-1

Won 3-2

Won 6-1

Seahaven

Won 6-1

Won 4-1

Won 2-1

In the fight for the Work Shield we ran second to the
Martlets. We entertain great hopes of changing positions with
them at the end of this term. Lewes House has started well; has
already demonstrated its superiority in Football; and intends to
do the same, and above all, maintain the same, the sphere of
Work.

Martlets' House

We started the season well with a comparatively easy victory.
We were never in danger of defeat. In the first half, Dennis
scored the first and Gibbons the second goal for us. Wood managed
to reduce the arrears for Seahaven, but a good goal scored by
Kitchener from a penalty decided the issue of the game.

(2) Martlets I v Lewes I. Won 2-1

On a soaking pitch, with a slight drizzle during almost the
whole of the match, we gained our second victory. Bradbury scored
the only goal in the first half. After Lewes had equalised,
Kitchener with a successful long shot regained for us the lead
which we kept until the final whilstle.

(3) Martlets I v Uckfield I. Lost 0-1

This, our first defeat in the 1st IX, was, I think an
unmerited victory for our opponents. Not that they played badly -
far from it, but I am sure that the greater part of the game was
in our opponents' half. Their one goal, however was thoroughly
deserved. French made a magnificent run, and just prevented the
ball from crossing the goal line by kicking it towards the
goalmouth, where Knowlton quickly flashed it into the net.

Our second and third elevens have, on the whole, done quite
creditably. The second eleven's only defeat was against Lewes,
while the third lost to Lewes and Uckfield. We are determined to
make up these losses through our cricket, and with a little
practice, we hope next year to become football champions.

2nd. and 3rd. Eleven Results.

Martlets II

1

-

Seahaven II

0

Martlets II

2

-

Uckfield II

2

Martlets II

0

-

Lewes II

3

Martlets III

0

-

Uckfield III

5

Martlets III

5

-

Seahaven III

0

Martlets III

0

-

Lewes III

6

General.

We have done well in work, and with a little "Study and hard
thought" and no slacking, we ought to make sure of the Work
Shield. We are already over eighty points ahead of Lewes, our
nearest rival.

The House Cricket day which our housemasters have kindly
agreed to endeavour to arrange this term, is, I am sure,
preferable to the tea and concert or the ramble at first
proposed. It is to be hoped that all the members of the house
will be present at this admirable function.

The only other item deserving a mention is the gardening, with
which the house is progressing well. We should soon make that
patch a credit both to the work of the house and to the
appearance of the school.

Seahaven House

Seahaven is the youngest and the smallest of the four houses
of which the school consists. Last term there were thirty-three
boys in the house, one of whom has since left.

Although at present we find our size and lack of members
rather a disadvantage, we are able to look forward to a more
prosperous future, owing to the the fact that, unless anything
untoward happens, none of our number will be leaving during the
next two years. This gives us a decided advantage over most of
the other houses, each of which loses at least two of its senior
boys at the end of this term.

Last term ended a somewhat disasterous football season for us,
as the house gained only two points out of a possible eighteen.
We are by no means dismayed, however, for we have the best junior
footballers of the school in the house and can look forward to a
more prosperous season in the coming year. In two years' time,
when size and weight are added to ability, we shall stand a
really good chance of winning the Games Shield.

Our present record is as follows:-

1st. XI

Seahaven v Martlets
Seahaven v Uckfield
Seahaven v Lewes

Lost 4-1
Lost 2-1
Lost 6-1

2nd. XI

Seahaven v Martlets
Seahaven v Lewes
Seahaven v Uckfield

Lost 1-0
Lost 14-0
Lost 5-0

3rd. XI

Seahaven v Lewes
Seahaven v Uckfield

Lost 2-0
Won 4-1

The house did not do quite so well in the work last term as
was expected, gaining a third place only, for the Work Shield. It
must be taken into account, however, that we have fewer numbers
than any other house, and that several members were absent for a
large part of last term owing to ill health. One thing can be
said of the work of the house; we kept a steady third all through
the term, dropping once only to fourth place on the chart.

Uckfield House

HOUSEMASTER:- Mr. JARVIS.
HOUSE CAPTAIN :- BLUNDEN

Uckfield House had a very successful football season last
term, finishing second to Lewes with eleven points gained out of
a possible eighteen.

The 1st XI won all their matches, but the loss of Edwards was
keenly felt in the centre-half position.

The 2nd XI drew, won and lost a match, thereby gaining three
points; while the 3rd XI lost two and won the remaining match,
obtaining two points.

In the competition for the Work Shield we were not so
successful, finishing up in the fourth position. Let us not
forget that we can combine work and play, and by untiring effort,
become leaders in both.

In Cricket this term we have done even better that in the last
term's Football. The 1st XI have yet to play a match, but the 2nd
and 3rd XIs between them have scored ten points out of a maximum
of twelve. The 2nd XI has done exceedingly well, owing chiefly to
the work of Hollobon, who besides being a sound bat, recently
took eight Lewes wickets for no runs. Good work has also been
done by the 3rd XI in winning two of the three matches.

Our points for Work this term show a slight increase and we
are hoping to improve our position on the chart in the near
future. The name of Uckfield emblazoned on both the Work and
Games Shield, is our ultimate aim.

"Two Moods"

I stood upon the barren shore,
I heard the swirling billows roar,
Sea-birds screamed and wheeled around,
Hollow caves the cries resound.

I stood upon the sunlit strand,
Wavelets lapped on the yellow sand,
Blue skies smiled on the peaceful scene,
To me the world seemed most serene.

Knight IIA.

Shakespeare on the Modern Stage

'THE TEMPEST'

A Criticism by Hazelrigg 3A.

On May 14th on the stage of the Palace Theatre Brighton, an
outstandingly good performance of 'The Tempest' was added to the
many brilliant productions of the Benson Company.

The play was watched with appreciation, by a large audience,
who must have deeply regretted that this would in all
probability, be their last opportunity of seeing Frank Benson
behind the footlights, as it is announced that he intends to
retire from the stage, on which he has made so great a name for
himself.

We were somewhat surprised to find that Sir Frank Benson was
playing the part of 'Caliban'. One might have thought the more
dignified part of 'Prospero' the exiled Duke more suitable to his
style of acting; but any doubts as to his versatility were soon
set at rest by the amazing skill with which the veteran actor
threw himself about the stange in a wonderful imitation of the
savage and deformed slave of 'Prospero'.

Although Sir Frank Benson could perhaps have done more justice
to the part, 'Prospero' was taken very creditably by E.S. Bailey
who was well supported by Jane Bacon as 'Miranda' the daughter of
the banished Duke. Adela Mavis played the part of 'Ariel' very
prettily indeed, though in some scenes one had the impression
that she made rather too angular a fairy. Her acting however was
almost faultless, and of her singing, one could only say that one
regretted there was not more of it.

Of the rest of the cast little need be said; with the possible
exception of 'Trinculo' all were competent and, in places
something more.

'TWELTH NIGHT'

A criticism by Rutherford V

On Wednesday night, May 14th, the above play was presented at
the Palace Pier Theatre, Brighton, on the farewell tour of Sir
Frank Benson. The play was curtailed a little but as a whole ran
very smoothly.

Of course Sir Frank Benson's acting as 'Malvolio' was one of
the oustanding features, but Olivia (Adela Mavis) and 'Orsino'
(Meadows White) ran him very close.

'Malvolio's' pompous attitude, admirabley upheld throughout
the play, served only to accentuate his fall, and bring home the
bitter humiliation of it. With the other two aforementioned
players it is hard to find fault, for both in actions and speech
they were excellent. The part of 'Viola' (Jane Bacon) was also
highly commendable - with the exception of one scene. I refer to
that in which Malvolio returns the ring. 'Cesario' ('Viola')
receives 'Oliva's ring with humour, instead of, as should surely
be, with feelings of pity for the sender. Of Viola's speech we
are inclined to think that it was a trifle too feminine for the
part she played.

Now let us turn to the sub-plot. Here again the acting was
irreproachable. The clown, who indeed had a 'mellifluous' voice,
brought out his witticisms in just the right kind of jovial and
humorous way. Sir Toby was a good, red round knight, and Sir
Andrew a real fool and a coward. These three especially in the
revelling scene to which an interesting ending was added, form a
really comical trio.

Of other players, little need be said. None of them, except
perhaps Maria, took big parts in the play, and it is therefore
difficulty to judge their standard of acting. What they had to do
they did well, and they helped to make the play what it was - a
thoroughly enjoyable evenings' entertainment.

Gifts

We are indebted to all the parents who so generously
subscribed to our form libraries; To A. P. Bishop Esq for his
gift of a gramaphone [sic], to Miss Sybil Sinfield and Miss C. G.
K. Scovell for their donations of books and to the anomymous
benefactor who made possible the purchase of a printing
press.

WANTED
(URGENTLY)

A Work Shield, an Athletics Cup, and a Swimming Cup for
competition among the houses.

[Note: In Norse mythology, Fenris, was a terrible giant wolf
who was bound to a rock by three mystic chains, Laeding, Dromi
and Gleipner, that would restrain him until the final battle at
the end of the world - the twilight of the Gods.]

The above lines occurred to my mind the other day after I had
been faced with a problem very similiar to that which perplexed
the Gods and Heroes of Asgard, when all too unwisely they
suffered the wolfish progeny of Lok to grow to his full
strength.

Rob, you must know, is my black retriever, who, however much
he works in the game coverts during the winter months, finds
spending the Spring and Summer in his kennel (though one of
generous proportions), a somewhat dull business by comparison,
even though the monotony is broken by morning and evening
walks.

As a result of his boredom during the daytime, when the world
of humans is far too busy to take much notice of him, Rob was
wont to vent his feelings by alternately barking and howling,
which expressions, though doubtless satisfying to him, proved
somewhat annoying to all who dwelt within earshot of his
kennel.

A few days ago, I made up my mind to end his dissatisfaction
with life by resolving that he should be free to roam the length
of the garden, though at the same time be tethered to prevent his
indulging in any of the sundry misdemeanours of which he has been
guilty on previous occasions, when by canine deception and craft,
he has gained an unguarded liberty. You must know that he is not
at all averse to stampeding the cows, or slaying an unlucky fowl
if he gets half the chance.

My device whereby he should gain this limited freedom was as
follows:- I procured fifty yards of stranded galvanised wire, one
end of which I tied securely to the upright of his outer kennel,
the other I fastened to the trunk of a conveniently placed apple
tree. I next took a six foot lenght of wire of the same type, and
attached it with a running noose to the line. Then luring Rob to
my side with deceitful voice and smile, I secured the free end of
the runner to his collar. Good! He was now tied to prevent his
ranging at will on excursions of doubtful probity, and yet at the
same time he could move for fifty yards in either direction with
perfect freedom.

I walked quietly up the line for twenty yards; Rob followed
easily, looking in wonderment from time to time at the lead which
hissed gently over the line as he moved. Next I bade him sit down
and being a dog of breeding and obedience, he did so. I then
moved twenty yards down the line from him and outwards ten. Then
I whistled in the way I use when I require his immediate
presence. He leapt from the ground; the hiss of the running noose
rose to a scream, a sudden snap came - and Rob was with me ten
yards from the broken line, wagging his whole vast body with
intense satisfaction, mouth open, and nine inches of moist tongue
hanging out to air!

Laeding had failed, I must try Dromi.

On examination, I found that the line had not broken, but had
been wrenched away from the kennel upright. So, I must loosen it
from the apple tree, where there were several feet of spare line,
and bind it three or four times instead of once around the kennel
support. This, I felt sure, would take the strain.Five minutes
work sufficed to make all secure again, and once more - still
grinning wickedly and with a certain Cerberian gleam in his brown
eyes, Rob was captive of limited movement.

I ordered him to be seated as before, and proceeded to walk to
a position a few yards beyond the apple tree at the far end. I
faced about. Rob was sitting quietly enought watching me. I
whistled. In a fraction of a second a black thunderbolt was
streaking towards me. The noose screamed, the line vibrated, I
waited. Rob reached the tree, passed it, there came a terrific
jerk, and he rolled over - free at my feet!

The ebon bundle of muscle arose, shook and wagged himself, and
grinning more satanically than ever, jumped up and put his huge
fore-paws on my shoulders, and did his best to wash my face with
a dozen square inches or so of tongue.

Dromi also had failed and there remained but one further hope
- I must procure a Gleipner from the dwarfs.

Legend tells us that the elfish fetters were woven from the
intangible and non-existent: but those were romantic days, and I
had to be more practical. Quite clearly fifty yards of stranded
galvanised wire at the price of 1/9 were useless for the purpose
I had in hand. Seventy canine pounds moving at twenty five miles
per hour in one direction obviously needed more stopping! I must
go and see the ironmonger - so Rob was confined to his kennel for
the next hour.

I returned to the scene of my failures with a very practical
gleipner. The dealer had recommended a nine strand wire of
exception strength at 4/- per fifty yards, in addition to which I
brought with me a six foot chain equipped with a strong swivel
collar-clip.

A few minutes work saw all in readiness, and Rob was let out
of his kennel and clipped to the chain runner. He looked at the
line a trifle malvolently, and I fancied - with grim satisfaction
- that his tail wagged more slowly and his tongue flapped less
confidently.

I moved twenty yards up the line, and at a right angles ten. I
whistled, and Rob bounded towards me. The line jerked violently.
Rob came a purler, arose, and contented himself with moving up
and stopping opposite me. He was still secure; gleipner had
survived the first test.

We walked together along the line to the kennel. There I took
a small bone from my pocket, showed it to Rob, returning it very
obviously to my pocket and sharply commanded him to sit down. He
complied, but the sinews on his black skin were tense as he
watched me walk to my previous position beyond the apple
tree.

I stopped, turned, held up the bone, and whistled. A black
object hurtled towards me; a terrific jerk made the tree quiver
in all its branches as Rob shot up in the air and crashed over
backwards to land at the foot of the tree.

Gleipner was Gleipner; Fenris was fettered.

I made my peace with Rob, gave him his bone, and left him to
his own devices while I went into lunch.

My sister has a larger appetite than I, but she eats more
quickly, and on this occasion finishing first, she violated good
manners by leaving the table to go into the garden. A moment
later she rushed in, and addressed herself to mother; "do come
and look; that Rob has pulled the side out of his kennel!".

Alas, Gleipner had held; but the rock had not!

Cricket Notes

The School 1st. XI has done fairly well this season, and the
coaching we have received from John Langridge and R. S. Richards,
professionals of the Sussex C.C., has already begun to bear good
fruit. Out of five matches played, we have lost only one; one - that
with East Grinstead (away) had to be abandoned owing to weather
conditions, and we had two matches yet to play.

Details of our matches are as follows:-

THE SCHOOL v EASTBOURNE GRAMMAR 2nd XI.

This match played on 30th May on our own ground, resulted in a
draw when rain prevented further play at the end of two hours.
Lewes won the toss, and batted first, scoring 62 for 7 declared.
Eastbourne then went in to make 48 for 8 before stumps were
drawn. Watson and Cooke batted well for Lewes, scoring 24 and 13
respectively. The bowling analysis - Watson 2 for 11; Edwards 1
for 10; Manser 2 for 8; and Rabson 2 for 6.

THE SCHOOL v BEXHILL 1st. XI.

The match against Bexhill 1st XI was played away on the 3rd
June. The game ended in an easy win for Bexhill. Lewes won the
toss, batted first and were all out for 20. Bexhill then went in
to make 111 for 3 declared. Lewes batted again, this time to
score 59 for 9 before close of play. Bowling Analysis - Manser 2
for 17; Watson 1 for 9.

THE SCHOOL v BRIGHTON GRAMMAR 3rd XI.

The game played against Brighton Grammar 3rd XI on our own
ground on 6th June ended in an easy win for the school who were
put in first by the opposing captain. Lewes scored 114 for 8
wickets declared, Brighton scored 59 all out. The highest scorers
for Lewes were:- Watson 26, Rabson 48 not out, Edwards 23. Bowling -
Manser 2 for 7; Watson 2 for 3, Rabson 1 for 13, Rutherford 1 for 14,
Hazelrigg 3 for 20.

THE SCHOOL v EASTBOURNE GRAMMAR 2nd XI.

We played our return match with Eastbourne on their ground on
13th June. The match should have been an easy win for the School,
but ended in a drawn owing to some very bad fielding. Lewes lost
the toss and batted first, and by steady play by all the team
amassed 75 for 8 declared. Eastbourne then went in to secure 61
for 9 wickets. For the School, Cooke batted well scoring 17,
while Watson scored a useful 25. The bowling analysis - Manser 4
for 15; Rabson 1 for 8; Watson 3 for 17; Hazelrigg 1 for 15.

THE SCHOOL v EAST GRINSTEAD

The match against East Grinstead at home on 20th June ended
with a win for the home team who lost the toss but were put in
first scoring 102 for 3 declared. East Grinstead went in after
tea and were all out for 40. Faulkner and Rabson batted very well
for Lewes scoring 37 and 42 respectively. Bowling analysis -
Watson 2 for 8; Rabson 3 for 11; Hazelrigg 5 for 8.

HAZELRIGG

As we go to press we are able to record a victory against East
Grinstead 1st XI while our 2nd XI has opened its career by a
victory over Bexhill 2nd. XI. An account of the Parents' match
will be found on another page.

"The Seasons"

Behold the Herald of the Spring,
Dance lightly o'er the Plain!
'Tis now that lambs begin to frisk,
And buds turn green again.

Now Summer's here and still full blithe,
The birds their raptures sing,
The sun shines brightly on the flowers,
And every living thing.

Now Winter's icy fingers grip
The trees and leave them bare,
And Orion blows his wintry blast,
But Spring will soon be here.

HOLMAN. IIA.

Swimming Notes

Early in its career, Lewes County School had realised the
great value of swimming, and the voluntary attendance of fifty or
sixty boys each Monday at the Lewes Open Air Bath is testimony
that an ability to swim well has become the ambition of many of
its members.

The weekly visits to the Swimming Bath started about halfway
through the Summer Term, when the instruction class for
non-swimmers was formed. Members of this class receive coaching
from the Bath's Attendant and those members of Staff who are in
charge of swimming.

To encourage learners, it is proposed to award five
house-points to each non-swimmer who learns to swim by the end of
the term: to urge on those who can already swim, to improve their
technique and endurance, a further five points will be credited
to all who, at the end of the same time, can swim a quarter of a
mile. These points will count towards the Games Shield.

It is probable too, that Swimming Sports will be held later in
July, when those who have worked hard to improve their swimming
will have yet another chance of gaining points for their
Houses.

HAYWARD

"The Brook"

With a little gurgling sound,
And suggesting all its glee,
A little brook from up the Downs,
Came running to the sea.

So it came along,
A- trickling round the stones,
Murmuring its lovely song,
Sweet and low its tones.

Passing through the meadows,
Rippling through the vales,
Through the fields all yellow,
Prattling age-old tales.

BARTHOLOMEW. IIA.

The Parents' Match

SATURDAY, June 27th 1931

At the time of writing this, Cricket has given way to football
and the visitor to the School field no longer hears the crack of
a ball meeting bat but the deeper thud of foot against ball. Yet
despite autumnal colours and early morning freshness we can still
picture vividly one glorious afternoon last June, when the Downs
shimmered in their loveliness and the cricket field was a patch
of velvet green, thanks to the attentions of Trower.

A fair had taken up its quarters by the Convent Field and,
true to festival traditions, tuneful numbers came floating from
across the way while the dual was being fought out.

About 2.00 pm a procession of bags and blazers indicated that
our visitors were arriving and soon the Parents had two elevens
in the field.

"B" TEAM quickly got to work, - "B" teams always do. It is the
fellow in your "A" eleven who insists on observing all the writes
of the game - pitch inspection, a preliminary knock to loosen the
muscles and all that kind of things. But lest the "A's" should
suspect that they are charged with being laggards let us absolve
them at once. "B's" wicket-keeper had seized the only full-sized
pair of wicket-keeping gloves. We had forgotten, inexcusably,
that fathers have large hands. Lewes "Priory" helped the needy
and the "A's" were also able to start.

The "A's" were a tough problem. It was their Captain who was
the chief danger. Keeping a good length and swinging away, he was
too much for youthful inexperience. Twelve for 3, 21 for 6,
looked like a tragedy for the School. Would he have to take a
rest before he bowled us all out? Fortunately this did not happen
and a little vigorous hitting by our Captain and the tail-enders
gave us the more respectable score of fifty-eight.

We do not know the details of the Second Team match. The grim
silence in which the "A" teams had fought had been broken from
time to time by cheers and laughter from the neighbouring pitch -
festive, not festival, cricket. At tea we discovered that the
School's 2nd XI had taken a hundred runs of their parent's
bowling and had declared with two wickets still to go down.

After tea the fight was renewed. Fifty-eight seemed a meagre
score against a team which had bowled so well. But let us confess
- the Parents' batting was not as good as their bowling. One for
1, five for 2, the wickets went down in regular order. A missed
catch or two in the middle of the innings altered affairs. Still
at 51 for 8 it was anyone's game, although the telegraph boy said
the School was winning his estimate was premature. A loose ball
hit for four and a few singles carried the parents score past the
School total. But what a near thing it was! At 60 the last
parental wickets had fallen and the older generation scraped home
by two runs.

What of "B" XI. Let us record our triumph modestly! In two
knocks the parents could only collect 73 runs. Still, how well
they took it! What matter defeat when it was your son who sent
the ball humming to the boundary.

And so as the sun went down behind the Kingston Hill we all
trooped home vowing to renew the struggle next year.

Parents' Evenings

On two occasions during the short history of the School, the
Social doors of Lewes's new centre of learning have been thrown
open to its friends, the Parents. The visits of fathers and
mothers, and of others whose relationship it is not so easy to
describe, marked the conclusion of the Christmas and Easter
Terms.

On both of these occasions the School temporarily put aside
its atmosphere of instruction and edificiation, and one breathed
the freer air of music, revelry and familiar chat.

On both occasions our visitors began their evening with an
inspection of the School, peering into all the classrooms, now
and again looking into exercise books or putting questions to
various members of the staff as to the progress or otherwise of
'my boy'!

We can only trust that they receive satisfactory answers.

'These things being done,' as Ceasar would put it, the whole
company adjourned to the Hall where a varied programme was
provided by Masters and boys. The School Choir under the
leadership of Mr. O'Brien bade fair to achieve among the
Philharmonic Societies of Great Britain! This was followed, on
both occasions by the acting of a well-known one-act Play,
produced by Mr. Euston. Songs in English and French were given by
Mr. Auld.

Frivolity was not overlooked, for at Christmas the Headmaster
and members of Staff bewailed in 'song'(!) and with a 'tragic'
result the sorry plight of Annie Laurie's lovelorn swain, and the
magnificient 'Air of the Volga Boatman' accompanied the dragging
of a miniature sailing ship with Herculean efforts across the
'solid expanse of water' offered by the stage, while at the close
of the Easter term, the sad plight of 'Little Johnnie Jones and
his sister Sue,' was rehearsed to an audience who found the story
strange to say, more amusing than sad.

The necessity for catching the last trains to Uckfield and
Seaford brought the concert, in the case of each evening, to a
close just before 9.30 pm; and our visitors departed, feeling, we
are sure, that they had enjoyed an interesting and amusing social
function.